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The 2012 Ceasefire

In January 2012 ceasefire talks between the Karen National Union and the Myanmar government were renewed, although there are still reports of Burmese attacks on Karen villages, as well as an escalating violence in Kachin State. Most Karen cautiously welcome the ceasefire agreement, but there is much concern for how reconciliation will affect the Karen population, especially with so many of our people now living outside of our traditional homeland in Karen State. In refugee camps, many distrust the Burmese military (which has a constitutionally mandated majority in the new Myanmar Parliament). Karen who have fled their homes are worried about how they will be able to go back; ethnic land rights is certain to become a new struggle, with the Myanmar government eager to have sanctions lifted and foreign investors knocking on the door